High capacity napkin dispenser

Abstract

A large capacity napkin dispenser for in counter mounting includes: (a) an elongate housing having a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving a stack of napkins; (b) a faceplate with a dispensing aperture, the faceplate being hinged to the housing so as to be movable between an open position for re-loading and a closed position for dispensing; (c) a movable support member mounted in the housing; (d) biasing means for urging the movable support toward the faceplate so that the stack of napkins is advanced to the aperture as it is depleted; and (e) sequestered means for locking the faceplate in the closed position. The locking means includes release means located adjacent the inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser, thereby eliminating the need for a key. The dispenser further includes internal gripping surfaces which facilitate re-loading and smooth operation as well as molded-in features which greatly reduce cost of manufacture.

1. A kit with a locking faceplate for mounting on a napkin dispenser housing comprising:
 (a) a mounting bracket; 
 (b) means for securing the mounting bracket to the dispenser housing; 
 (c) a faceplate with an elongate aperture; 
 (d) hinge means for pivotally mounting the faceplate to the mounting bracket such that it is movable between a closed position for dispensing a stack of napkins and an open position for reloading; and 
 (e) means for locking the faceplate in the closed position, the locking means being slideably operable relative to the faceplate to lock the faceplate to the mounting bracket in the closed position and including release means for unlocking the faceplate located adjacent an inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position on a dispenser the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser and accessible through the dispensing aperture. 
 
     
     
       2. The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for securing the mounting bracket to the dispenser includes a mounting collar adapted to be secured to the mounting bracket. 
     
     
       3. The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking means includes biasing means adapted to maintain it in a locked position. 
     
     
       4. The kit according to  claim 3 , wherein the locking means includes an injection-molded unitary latch including an integrally-formed spring and a latch member. 
     
     
       5. The kit according to  claim 4 , wherein the injection-molded unitary latch member is formed from an injection-molding composition comprising nylon, polyacetal or polyester.